Chapter 1

You've Got Mail

"-Accessing Bionet Profile…

"-Access Complete.

"-Attention: Message marked Priority S from 'Biolife Corp.'. Immediate response is imperative. Priority command engaged. Accessing inbox…

"-Access Complete. Opening message…

"-Message from 'Arc' of 'Biolife Corp'.

"-Subject: Crucial Development on Z Virus.

"-Message:

"Greetings and good day to you, Bionet user. Although it is rare for me to personally take the time to write the updates we have here at Biolife Corporations, I have deemed it necessary for me to handle this imperative message, not only for the sake of properly conveying the velocity of our current situation, but that by means of writing this myself, you will understand why it is important for you to read what follows.

"Bionet, the result of years of effort to counteract myriad cataclysms that have befallen mankind and reploids alike, has been running smoothly and efficiently for nearly a century. By means of biotmetal technology, we were successful in creating the equipment you now know as Bioframes. Through regulation and monitoring of your system, we can track the effect of radiation on your body and keep you living through the use of biometal functionality and researched neurotoxins. As a result, life has remained stable through Bioframes and the interconnecting network that is Bionet.

"However, like world wide systems in the past, our technology highway is still susceptible to threats. Although we here at Biolife Corporations have taken drastic steps to reduce the threat to the system and your personal well-being, complete protection is an ongoing effort that requires up to date improvements and constant attention to every detail. Rest assured that I and my colleagues strive to keep the system online and running at maximum proficiency for the sake of your safety and comfort.

"You may be aware that recently a new virus has been identified. It has been titled here by our experts as the Z Virus. It is still a relatively new, and thus unrefined, virus that has appeared on the network. Symptoms of Bioframe infection include short-circuits and the inability to use basic biomerge functions. Although these effects are not considered to be high-level threats, there is still an immediate need to rectify these problems, as well as eradicate the Z Virus from Bionet completely.

"You should also be aware that we here at Biolife Corporations have been feverishly working on a vaccine for this new virus. It is publicly rumored that we do not know enough to properly combat it at this point. This statement is false. Although the virus is in its early stages, we possess enough about it to materialize a solution that will shut it down before it reaches maturity.

"In the next twenty-four hours, a vaccine will be made available at hospitals, police stations, and other appropiate facilities in your area. Like many viruses, it cannot simply be dealt with via a firewall or code, but must be injected physically. According to research, the virus has a dangerous potential to eventually alter blood cells through the Bioframe and cause permanent damage. This is not currently an imminent threat, but it is one none the less.

"As such, this revolutionary vaccine you will receive syncs with the Bioframe system through the bloodstream. For those of you who are not educated on how the Bioframe system works and are concerned about what this vaccine does, I will elaborate. Each bioframe analyzes the host's blood and creates personal coding from the host's blood makeup. The bloodstream and Bioframe technology eventually synchronize and become as if they were one. In generic terms, your bioframe merges with your body, as you should already be aware of. This is how the system keeps you safe from radiation and other harmful physical threats. Therefore, it is not only possible for the Bioframe to alter your blood, but your blood to alter the inner workings of your bioframe.

"We have, as such, devised an incredibly effective solution. The Z Virus infects the Bioframe, but it cannot alter blood cells unless conditions are right. This vaccine strengthens the blood cells through a revolutionary means, one of which we cannot disclose; such a disclosure could result in those responsible for the Z Virus to seek and find a hole in the cure, although there are none foreseen at this time. Through this powerful blood serum, the Bioframe's makeup is adapted and the combined defense of your body and technology working together prevent infection and combat invading Z Virus attacks.

"Not only will this protect from the Z Virus itself, but we are proud to announce that this vaccine should increase overall efficiency of the Bioframe system, as well as shielding the host from future threats. We are thrilled with the outcome of our research, and are happy to announce that it is ready to be distributed.

"It is of critical importance that you receive this vaccine. Prior to scheduled times for vaccine availability, you will be sent another message detailing the time you are to go and retrieve your vaccination. This is to prevent a surge of initial patients flooding participating facilities all at once; we assure you that you will receive your vaccine in a punctual manner that will not endanger your life through unneeded postponement. However, we ask your cooperation in the meantime by abiding under our time constrictions.

"Once you are injected, no further action will be needed at the time. You will be free to return to your business as usual. Bionet has already been modified accordingly to accommodate the new alterations that will occur to your Bioframe system. In due time, the vaccine will strengthen your overall performance, and any initial side effects you may feel will be minor and should pass within twenty four hours of vaccination. We here at Biolife Corporations have taken the utmost care in the design and production of this vaccine, and we insure you your experience will be one of excellence.

"As mentioned before, you will be mailed your vaccination time. Please wait until then to go to a participating facility. As for the Z Virus itself, we will continue to vigorously monitor and research it to combat any other threats that may arise from it.

"I, Arc, personally thank you for your cooperation. May you allow we here at Biolife Corporations to continue supplying your every need.

"Salutation and farewell,

"CEO of Biolife Corporations,

"Arc."